Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market rose by 11,826 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 5.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC unemployment rate is 105 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 210 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 7.5% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 250,600; -2,000
  • Business Services: 212,400; +1,300
  • Government: 154,100; +2,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 122,100; +700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 112,200; -600
  • Financial Services: 110,200; +200
  • Manufacturing: 103,400; +900
  • Construction, Mining: 68,400; +1,800
  • Other Jobs: 42,700; +100
  • IT & Development: 23,400; +300
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.